PhD position in high-resolution spectroscopy of intermediate- and high-mass stars in the context of space missions

PhD position in high-resolution spectroscopy of intermediate- and high-mass stars in the context of space missions

(ref. BAP

Laatst aangepast: 20/01/26

The selected candidate will be integrated within the research groups of Prof. Hugues Sana and Dr. Andrew Tkachenko of the Institute of Astronomy (IoA) of KU Leuven in Belgium. The IoA is a young and vibrant research group of some 80 scientists, engineers, and administrative staff, including 7 full-time and 3 part-time professors. The institute is an expertise center in stellar physics and is active in several international consortia and collaborations. All members of IoA have access to parallel and supercomputing facilities. The IoA is further responsible for the organisation of the 2-year Master programme in Astronomy & Astrophysics of the Faculty of Science, and operates the 1.2m Mercator telescope at Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma Observatory, Canary Islands.

Project

We invite candidates to apply for a PhD position as part of the scientific exploitation of the Mercator Observatory, La Palma, Spain. The project will leverage large observing programmes with the high-resolution HERMES spectrograph, combined with space-based data from ongoing and near-future space missions. The end goal is to address shortcomings in our understanding of stellar structure and evolution of binary systems hosting intermediate- and high-mass stars. Specifically, the first part of the project will focus on the synergy with upcoming Gaia DR4 and the complementary ground-based follow of target of interests, such as (candidate) dormant binaries with compact objects, stripped stars and other key intermediate- and high-mass star evolutionary stages. A second part of the project will be related to the preparation, commissioning and early science exploitation of the CubeSPEC technology demonstrator mission, aiming at long spectroscopic time series of beta-Cepheid pulsators.

Profile

PhD applicants must hold a MSc. degree in physics, astrophysics or mathematics or else own an equivalent diploma. The degree must be dated at the latest one month before the position can be taken up. Expertise in astrophysics is an asset but not a requirement. Similarly, expertise in optical/infrared interferometry and/or massive stars is an asset but not a requirement. Proficiency in English is required.

Offer

The successful PhD applicant will register at the Arenberg Doctoral School of KU Leuven and follow a doctoral programme including personal training in management, science communication, and teaching. As part of the doctoral requirements, the candidate will spend up to 20% of their time for service duties, such as teaching and supervision in one of the Bachelor (in Dutch) or Master (in English) programmes and performing Mercator observing runs of ten nights for the pooled IoA long-term monitoring programmes.

The selected PhD candidate will be offered a 1-year bursary contract, renewable for up to 4 years after a positive evaluation. The tax-free bursary amount will be equal to the net salary of a research assistant (salary scale 43) and will be calculated upon joining KU Leuven. In addition, you will receive a generous package of pay and non-pay benefits, including a holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus, holiday allowance, free hospital insurance, free public transport when commuting, a bicycle allowance, staff discount scheme, access to our sports and cultural facilities at special rates, etc.

The foreseen starting date shall be between September 1st and October 1st, 2026 but can be negotiated.

Interested?

The application package should contain:

(i) a curriculum vitae, with a publication list if relevant. On the last page, it should include the names and email addresses of two reference persons (references letters are NOT required at this stage; these will only be asked for the short-listed candidates

(ii) a statement of interest (max. one page);

(iii) a summary of the research experience (max. 2 pages)

(iv) a list of all master courses with their number of study points and the individual scores obtained as well as the yearly averages.

The short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview (live or via video-call) in the week of March 9th.

Further information on the positions and on the project may be obtained by contacting the promotor of the project, Prof. Hugues Sana, by email ) or phone

You can apply for this job no later than February 22, 2026 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds

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Locatie: Leuven

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22/02/2026 23:59 CET

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Tags: Natuurkunde en Sterrenkunde